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Designed to work, built to lastMon, 12 Nov 2018 08:41:19 +0000en-GBhourly1126871834Virtual factory develops new types of steel alloyshttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/12/virtual-factory-develops-new-types-of-steel-alloys/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/12/virtual-factory-develops-new-types-of-steel-alloys/#respondMon, 12 Nov 2018 08:41:19 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1237A partnership between Swansea University, Warwick University, WMG and Tata Steel is using virtual factories to discover ways to develop new steel alloys. Steel is a common material used to manufacture equipment in the automotive industry, in construction and other industries. A heavy duty trolley manufacturer relies on tubular steel to fabricate durable and reliable […]

]]>A partnership between Swansea University, Warwick University, WMG and Tata Steel is using virtual factories to discover ways to develop new steel alloys.

Steel is a common material used to manufacture equipment in the automotive industry, in construction and other industries. A heavy duty trolley manufacturer relies on tubular steel to fabricate durable and reliable manual handling equipment. Those in the industry rely on tubular steel, which is both strong yet lightweight, and when suitably coated, will not corrode.

The steel industry is constantly innovating to create new steel alloys in response to emerging technologies and the changing demands of customers. Developing new alloys is slow and time-consuming, with hundreds of potentials alloys produced in a steel plant that then have to be tested. The virtual factory project aims to make the innovation process faster so that new products can reach the market quickly.

The project combines physical testing with computer models that can predict the properties of new alloys. Called rapid alloy prototyping, the project has received £7m in funding to create a system that designs new materials in the research lab then tests them using computer models that can rapidly test hundreds of small samples for mechanical, electrical, and corrosion properties, as well as general strength.

Alloys the computer identifies as having the best properties can be investigated and could eventually be turned into new steel products. The system is reported to be about 100 faster and much cheaper than developing alloys in a steel plant.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/12/virtual-factory-develops-new-types-of-steel-alloys/feed/01237The versatility of tubular steelhttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/10/the-versatility-of-tubular-steel/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/10/the-versatility-of-tubular-steel/#respondSat, 10 Nov 2018 14:08:04 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1213Almost every industry has a use for tubular steel, which makes it one of the most versatile materials available. For many applications, there is no alternative material that has the same combination of lightweight and strength. Tubular steel comes in several forms, but what they all have in common is they are hollow inside. Round […]

]]>Almost every industry has a use for tubular steel, which makes it one of the most versatile materials available. For many applications, there is no alternative material that has the same combination of lightweight and strength.

Tubular steel comes in several forms, but what they all have in common is they are hollow inside. Round tubular steel is more commonly known as steel pipes. Square and rectangular tubular steel are used to manufacture a variety of equipment.

Here are just a few of the common uses of tubular steel.

Construction

A highly visible use of tubular steel in the construction industry is scaffolding, where tubes have stability and resist impact. When the life of workers depends on strong and reliable scaffolding, tubular steel is the trusted material.

Tubular steel is also used in frames that support beams and junctions. These enable the construction of very tall buildings.

Energy

The gas and oil industries rely on tubular steel to create hundreds of miles of pipe to transport oil and gas. These pipes must survive extreme weather and heat without corroding. Pipes under the sea are coated to protect them from the corrosive effect of salt water.

Steel pipes transmit the steam required for the nuclear energy process. Strong tubular steel is used as part of the safe and reliable production of electricity from nuclear sources.

Renewable energies including wind power, heat pumps, and wave power use tubular steel as part of their construction.

Transport

Most vehicles have some parts made from tubular steel, such as the pipes that transmit fuel and exhaust gases. Gases in petrol and diesel engines are highly corrosive, so the steel pipes are treated to make them chemical resistant.

Most aeroplanes use tubular steel for fuel pipes.

Material handling and storage

Storage areas need shelving and racks that support heavy loads. Tubular steel is perfect for storage equipment as it withstands stress from all angles. Well-designed tubular steel shelving will last a long time.

Even businesses with an eye on automation still rely on humans and handling equipment. Forklift trucks have tubular steel components, and the forklift cages that provide protection use tubular steel. Manual handling equipment such as trolleys and picking tables are constructed from tubular steel.

Why tubular steel?

Why do these and many more industries rely on tubular steel? It is partly because it has a high tensile strength and is not easily broken. Tubular steel resists both external and internal stress.

Tubular steel is shock resistant and will not break when subject to sudden shocks. It can be used in high-traffic motorway bridges that are subject to shock from large heavy lorries. Tubular steel can help make a building earthquake proof.

Equipment made from tubular steel can be constructed quickly. Creating one-off bespoke equipment is also quick and very cost effective, and suitably coated tubular steel resists corrosion.

Tubular steel is not expensive, which is another reason why it is the versatile material of choice for so many industries.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/10/the-versatility-of-tubular-steel/feed/01213Designing an efficient warehouse systemhttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/08/designing-an-efficient-warehouse-system/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/08/designing-an-efficient-warehouse-system/#respondThu, 08 Nov 2018 12:58:37 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1209An efficient warehouse system is about maximising the use of vertical and horizontal space. It is also essential to have the best manual handling and storage equipment. A warehouse should be structured to minimise the distance that workers have to travel to pick and pack items. Items must be clearly marked to enable pickers to […]

]]>An efficient warehouse system is about maximising the use of vertical and horizontal space. It is also essential to have the best manual handling and storage equipment. A warehouse should be structured to minimise the distance that workers have to travel to pick and pack items. Items must be clearly marked to enable pickers to quickly find them.

Measuring

The first stage of designing a warehouse storage system is to measure the area. Measuring is about volume, not just the length and breadth. Height needs to be measured and any permanent features, such as supporting columns and roof girders, must be taken into account.

Storage equipment

The next stage is to look at the type of the items to be stored. Goods can be heavy or light, regular shaped or irregular. Small items in boxes can easily be stored on standard warehouse shelving. Heavy and irregular items such as sofas and chairs will benefit from specialist storage equipment specially designed to stack them safely.

Fragile materials such as glass sheets will need storage equipment designed to protect them. Before you purchase any equipment or shelving, it is a good idea to talk to your storage equipment manufacturer for advice. Better still, invite them to see the warehouse. Show them the items that need storing and the available space. They will come up with suggestions for the best way to organise the warehouse.

Handling equipment

Every warehouse needs handling equipment, manual and non-manual. Forklift trucks can be used for large items and bulk transport. For picking items ready for dispatch, manual handling trolleys and packing tables are required. You could purchase robots to pick items, but these are expensive and beyond the budget of the average small to medium organisation.

For both storage and handling equipment, insist on premium quality. Equipment manufactured from tubular steel is best because it is lightweight and very strong. A business may also need a bespoke solution for manual handling and storage equipment designed especially for their warehouse.

Where to store goods

After deciding on the type of storage and handling equipment, the next part of the process is to plan where to store goods. Some warehouses store goods by category; for example, a business that sells furniture stores all chairs together, all beds together and so on. However, this is not always the most efficient way. If there are goods that are in high demand that sell more frequently than others, it makes sense to store them near the picking and packing tables. This will save on the distance travelled each day by pickers. Low-demand items can be stored further away.

Make sure that all storage locations are clearly marked and easy to find.

Some warehouses have an area next to the packing and dispatch tables where small orders are placed ready to pack. Bulk orders are stored in a separate area.

Designing a new warehouse storage system is a complex operation that requires careful planning. High-quality storage and handling equipment are essential for an efficient and organised warehouse.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/08/designing-an-efficient-warehouse-system/feed/01209Microsoft develops garment recognition technologyhttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/07/microsoft-develops-garment-recognition-technology/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/07/microsoft-develops-garment-recognition-technology/#respondWed, 07 Nov 2018 08:37:38 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1231Tech giant Microsoft has developed new technology that can identify a garment from a smartphone picture, even against a busy background. This promises to be useful for the garment industry. Many fashion houses do not have traditional seasons and instead continually design new clothes, often influenced by social media. Warehouses use a garment rails supplier […]

]]>Tech giant Microsoft has developed new technology that can identify a garment from a smartphone picture, even against a busy background. This promises to be useful for the garment industry.

Many fashion houses do not have traditional seasons and instead continually design new clothes, often influenced by social media. Warehouses use a garment rails supplier to provide well-designed and robust rails that can store hundreds of different garment styles. The difficulty then is identifying each garment hung on the rails, particularly with a high turnover of new stock. There are electronic tag solutions, but these can be expensive.

The Microsoft system is a way to match catalogue photographs with stock to make sure that the correct items are stored or picked.

The developers of the system, CY Yam, Patty Ryan and Elena Terenzi, said on a Microsoft blog:

“Our aim was to work with this retailer to design an algorithm capable of identifying whether a newly arrived item was in stock using only a mobile phone image of the new item as a reference. If the retailer’s staff could snap a photo of a new arrival and use our solution to search their catalogue of studio images for matches, we could eliminate the cost of errors and wasted time.”

A major hurdle that the developers faced was separating the clothing item from the background without having to manually isolate the foreground. They managed this so that identifying garments is both quick and easy. It is hoped that this technology could help retailers manage and control their inventory more efficiently.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/07/microsoft-develops-garment-recognition-technology/feed/01231Spend more money to reduce your picking and packing costshttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/06/spend-more-money-to-reduce-your-picking-and-packing-costs/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/06/spend-more-money-to-reduce-your-picking-and-packing-costs/#respondTue, 06 Nov 2018 15:50:13 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1204The above title may seem like an illogical statement, but an explanation will make sense of the concept. The goal of picking and packing is to be quick, accurate and reliable. Customers usually have a choice of suppliers. If their order is wrong or takes a long time to be delivered, they see this as […]

]]>The above title may seem like an illogical statement, but an explanation will make sense of the concept.

The goal of picking and packing is to be quick, accurate and reliable. Customers usually have a choice of suppliers. If their order is wrong or takes a long time to be delivered, they see this as bad service and will take future business elsewhere. Even if you compete on price, your customers may value fast and efficient deliveries over cost.

The philosophy of spending more on picking and packing systems is that it reduces lost customers and generates more orders, thus equaling more income and more profit.

Buying better quality

Cheap packing materials cost you more in the long run. Putting heavy items into cheap thin boxes means that the packaging with the address labels could be easily separated from the goods. This will cost a lot in replacing the items ordered. The delays could mean the loss of future business by a customer.

Another area where it makes sense to pay more is equipment. In a busy warehouse that dispatches many hundreds of items a day, a picking and packing table that collapses, or a trolley whose wheels refuse to turn, means that picking and packing production stops until replacement equipment is found.

Quality picking and packing tables made from tubular steel will not let you down. Tubular steel trolleys with premium quality casters are designed to last for many years under heavy use.

Bespoke solutions

You may purchase quality equipment, but its size might not fit your space. Picking and packing tables should exactly fit the packing area.

Since manufacturers often make tables in small batches, it does not cost a lot more to have a bespoke picking and packing table made in a custom size. The increase in efficiency that bespoke equipment provides makes them a worthwhile investment.

A standard picking and packing table may not have all the features you need. If it is used in a dark area, a table can be fitted with lights. Most standard tables have a top and bottom shelf, but a bespoke one can have more shelves added.

A picking and packing table manufacturer will help you design your own bespoke solution.

Automation

Another investment is on automation, which again can save money by increasing efficiency and speed while reducing errors. A simple solution to increase speed is to have a conveyor belt that delivers goods to the picking and packing table.

There are various systems available to make locating items more efficient. Some use lights to guide pickers to item locations, whereas others have audio signals that direct operators.

Identify where to spend money

The key to better picking and packing systems is to identify the areas where more money can be spent on better quality equipment, packaging and automated systems. This will result in quicker error-free picking and packing.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/06/spend-more-money-to-reduce-your-picking-and-packing-costs/feed/01204Creating the best picking and packing systemhttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/04/creating-the-best-picking-and-packing-system/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/04/creating-the-best-picking-and-packing-system/#respondSun, 04 Nov 2018 15:41:11 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1199It is vital for a business that processes many orders each day to have the best picking and packing system. This means finding the best equipment, as well as a logistics system to handle orders. Identify the outcomes Before deciding on a picking and packing system, you first need to identify outcomes, and what you […]

]]>It is vital for a business that processes many orders each day to have the best picking and packing system. This means finding the best equipment, as well as a logistics system to handle orders.

Identify the outcomes

Before deciding on a picking and packing system, you first need to identify outcomes, and what you want your system to achieve. You want the system to be fast so that orders can be located and picked quickly, then dispatched without delay. You must have very few or no errors.

Above all, your customers, whether they be individuals or businesses, need to be happy with your service. The wrong system will be slow and subject to errors, resulting in disappointed customers who may take their future business elsewhere.

Picking

Research by software company Veeqo found that in most picking and packing systems, 70% of order processing labour time is spent picking items. This is the first area to concentrate on.

Items need to be easily located. This starts by clearly labelling locations. A simple system has the warehouse name, row name, row area and shelf name clearly labelled. Every item needs a dedicated bin name. Items should never be mixed up with different items.

Arrange items so that high-volume goods are located near packing stations.

Automated systems can use lights or sound to direct pickers to locations. Some companies have apps that act like vehicle GPS systems to guide pickers to the correct shelves. Mobile scanners can be used that provide audio signals when near items.

Walking time should be kept to a minimum. Picking routes need planning so that optimal routes are walked between each item location. Conveyor system can transport items from warehouse locations to packing stations.

Packing and dispatching

To save time, some warehouse systems combine picking and packing. Packaging materials are carried on wheeled picking and packing tables that are moved to the item locations. Once an item or items have been picked, they are immediately packed, labelled and the table wheeled to the dispatch area.

Other systems use separate picking and packing processes. A worker locates items and brings them to a packing station, which has one or more packing tables. Packers pack items ready for dispatch.

The importance of high-quality equipment

A good picking and packing system can be let down by inferior equipment, so it is important to purchase high-quality equipment. Picking trolleys made from tubular steel are best. They need quality swivel casters that enable them to be easily moved and steered. A picking trolley will handle many goods each day, some heavy, so needs to be durable and reliable.

Picking and packing table must be premium quality, with strong tops and shelves. If standard size picking and packing trolleys do not exactly fit in your packing area, order ones made in bespoke sizes to fit your space.

Customers, especially those ordering online, expect accuracy and quick dispatch. This is why it is important to have the best picking and packing system and equipment.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/04/creating-the-best-picking-and-packing-system/feed/01199Are their alternatives to steel for making trolleys?https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/02/are-their-alternatives-to-steel-for-making-trolleys/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/02/are-their-alternatives-to-steel-for-making-trolleys/#respondFri, 02 Nov 2018 15:34:53 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1193Many businesses rely on trolleys made from steel to manually move items, but can steel be replaced by other materials? Why steel? Tubular steel is ideal for making trolleys. Lightweight yet very strong, skilled metalworkers can shape and weld steel to manufacture trolleys that work well and last a long time. Tubular steel is coated […]

]]>Many businesses rely on trolleys made from steel to manually move items, but can steel be replaced by other materials?

Why steel?

Tubular steel is ideal for making trolleys. Lightweight yet very strong, skilled metalworkers can shape and weld steel to manufacture trolleys that work well and last a long time. Tubular steel is coated to protect the steel from corrosion and acid spills.

Most trolley manufacturers make equipment in small batches. They can easily modify designs made from steel, making then bigger or smaller than standard sizes, or adding bespoke features. This is not expensive as it does not requires new moulds or time-consuming alterations to machinery.

Steel alternatives

Kevlar and carbon-fibre are alternatives to steel;, but their only advantage is their lightness. They are not stronger. Wearing steel to protect the torso from bullets or knives is not practical because it is too heavy. Kevlar vests are a lightweight alternative.

In vehicles where weight affects performance, carbon-fibre bodywork makes them lighter and more fuel efficient.

Constructing trolleys from Kevlar or carbon-fibre so that they are as strong as ones made from steel would make the components of the trolley so thick that they would not be practical.

Aluminium is lighter than steel, but lacks its strength and is too easily bent.

Some trolleys for use at the home are made from plastic, but it’s not a suitable material for heavy duty trolleys that carry heavy loads and are used every day. Trolleys can be made from wood, but this is also inferior to steel.

Alternatives to steel are not as strong. Some materials, like diamonds, are stronger but brittle and would shatter if used for trolleys, plus their high cost makes them an unrealistic choice anyway.

What about the future?

There has been research and scientific papers that suggest a material that is stronger than steel could be developed sometime in the future.

Hydrogen can be subjected to a strong magnetic field to create a strong substance. To do this would mean creating a huge magnetic field, requiring massive amounts of energy to generate. This makes it a very dangerous operation.

There is speculation that steel alternatives exist on the surface of neutron stars, but it would be expensive and take a very long time to send a mining spacecraft to extract it and bring the material back to Earth.

In the future, it is possible that scientists may come up with a material that is better than steel for making trolleys, but for now, steel is the best material to use.

Sticking with steel

If we ever come across advanced alien beings, they may have the technology of a material that is better than steel. Until that day, businesses will continue to rely on steel for making their trolleys.

There may be advances in welding to make joining steel quicker and more efficient, but tubular steel will remain the material of choice for trolleys because it is practical and strong.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/02/are-their-alternatives-to-steel-for-making-trolleys/feed/01193Reusable boxes could replace cardboard oneshttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/01/reusable-boxes-could-replace-cardboard-ones/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/01/reusable-boxes-could-replace-cardboard-ones/#respondThu, 01 Nov 2018 08:30:26 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1180Most goods are packed for delivery in cardboard boxes that are not used again after being received, but American packing manufacture Menasha has developed a range of reusable boxes that are designed to be used up to 100 times. Although cardboard boxes can be used more than once, they soon deteriorate. Cardboard can be recycled, […]

]]>Most goods are packed for delivery in cardboard boxes that are not used again after being received, but American packing manufacture Menasha has developed a range of reusable boxes that are designed to be used up to 100 times.

Although cardboard boxes can be used more than once, they soon deteriorate. Cardboard can be recycled, but it is more efficient to reuse boxes.

In a typical warehouse, workers pick items from shelves and take them to packing tables. Picking trolleys often have plastic tote boxes to hold items, which are then put in cardboard boxes for dispatch.

The main weakness of cardboard is that it is not waterproof, so does not protect goods on wet British days. Many businesses are installing automated equipment to handle packages. Cardboard fibre generates dust and this can clog up sensitive machinery.

To solve the drawbacks of cardboard boxes, Menasha has developed plastic or plastic dispatch boxes that can be used between 70 and 100 times. At the end of their life, they can be recycled. The company say that they are ideal for automated packaging lines, and reduce the environmental impact associated with using cardboard boxes. Menasha claims that its boxes reduce water consumption by 89%, energy consumption by 74%, and save 61% in solid waste generation.

It may be difficult to introduce a packaging reuse system in the UK, as it would mean people who receive orders need to return the boxes, but any focus on reusability can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and often save money at the same time.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/11/01/reusable-boxes-could-replace-cardboard-ones/feed/01180A guide to designing your own picking trolleyhttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/31/a-guide-to-designing-your-own-picking-trolley/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/31/a-guide-to-designing-your-own-picking-trolley/#respondWed, 31 Oct 2018 15:25:49 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1186A picking and packing trolley is simple technology. It has wheels to easily move it, and a platform or shelves to carry items. There are wide variations in trolley options available so that thousands of different picking trolleys can be designed. Some trolley manufacturers create bespoke trolleys for their clients. Before consulting one of their […]

]]>A picking and packing trolley is simple technology. It has wheels to easily move it, and a platform or shelves to carry items. There are wide variations in trolley options available so that thousands of different picking trolleys can be designed.

Some trolley manufacturers create bespoke trolleys for their clients. Before consulting one of their expert designers, it helps to be aware of what options are available for designing picking and packing trolleys.

Materials

Trolleys can be made from steel, aluminium or plastic. Tubular steel is best as it is lightweight and strong. If you want your trolley to last a long time under heavy use, avoid plastic.

Shelves can be steel too, but strong wooden shelves are suitable for most trolleys.

Finish

Tubular steel needs to be finished with a coating that protects it from corrosion and scratches. Powder-coated paint is effective for this. Most industrial users are not bothered about the colour of the finish and are happy with the standard blue shade. Tubular steel can be any colour, so if the colour is important, the steel can be coated with the your colour choice.

Size

A trolley manufacturer will have trolleys in standard sizes, but bespoke trolleys can be manufactured to any size. There are limitations to consider though; a very wide trolley will not pass through doorways or may be too wide for pickling aisles, while a very long trolley may be difficult to steer.

Wheels

Trolley wheels take a lot of punishment so should be of high quality. The best type of wheels are swivel casters that enable the trolley to be easily steered. Four casters are usually sufficient.

Cheap casters are not recommended as they may not be strong enough for heavy loads, and a broken caster makes the trolley unusable.

Branded trolleys

Most warehouses and packing areas do not need the company brand prominently displayed. However, if your trolleys are seen by customers or members of the public, a brand logo and slogan printed on the trolley is a good idea.

Shelves

A basic picking trolley has a top and bottom shelf, but more shelves can be added according to the size of the items picked.

Added storage equipment

For workplaces that have many smaller items, or ones that could easily roll off a trolley shelf, there are a number of storage equipment options available. Tote bags, boxes, and baskets can be used with picking trolleys., These can be removable or fixed to the trolley.

Document holder

Most picking and packing operations use printed packing and dispatch lists. These are often carried by hand using clipboards. A trolley with a clipboard attached frees up both hands of the picking operator.

Steps

In some warehouses, it is difficult to pick items off high shelves. A worker has to lift steps or a ladder to the location. Steps can be added to the design of the trolley so that they are always available for picking high items.

The simple picking trolley is a very versatile item of equipment that can be designed to perfectly match the requirements of the user.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/31/a-guide-to-designing-your-own-picking-trolley/feed/01186Innovative garment rails at new clothing company headquartershttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/23/innovative-garment-rails-at-new-clothing-company-headquarters/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/23/innovative-garment-rails-at-new-clothing-company-headquarters/#respondTue, 23 Oct 2018 07:19:43 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1144The Blue Clothing Company designs clothes manufactured by high street brands. The firm recently moved into its new headquarters in Marylebone, London. The company needed both office space and areas where clothes could be designed and displayed. The architects were given specific requirements for how garments had to be displayed. The garment rails run the […]

]]>The Blue Clothing Company designs clothes manufactured by high street brands. The firm recently moved into its new headquarters in Marylebone, London.

The company needed both office space and areas where clothes could be designed and displayed. The architects were given specific requirements for how garments had to be displayed. The garment rails run the length of a large room and are fixed to columns between windows. The windows are covered in lightweight white silk curtains that allow natural light to illuminate the garments. LCD ceiling lights shine on each garment rail section, which creates a mixture of natural and ambient light that illuminates the garments to display them clearly.

Garment rails are made from brushed stainless steel for a stylish look. Many companies in the garment industry use the standard products from a garment rail manufacturer. If a company has the need for bespoke garment rails, like the Blue Clothing Company, they can ask the manufacturer to design and produce a bespoke garment rail.

If garments are being displayed for sale, the Blue Clothing Company garment rail areas show the importance of installing the best lighting to show the clothes at their best. Lighting, whether from windows or electric lights, should not cast a hue that alters colour perception.

Although garment rails can be made from wood or other steel alternatives, the Blue Clothing Company chose to use steel rails, as the material is practical, strong and will last for many years in a busy garment business.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/23/innovative-garment-rails-at-new-clothing-company-headquarters/feed/01144Are multistorey warehouses the storage space solution?https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/15/are-multistorey-warehouses-the-storage-space-solution/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/15/are-multistorey-warehouses-the-storage-space-solution/#respondMon, 15 Oct 2018 07:05:56 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1130There is a lack of available warehouse space in the UK, and this has led some experts to believe that multistory warehouses could be the way forward. The Colliers International Industrial & Logistics Barometer for the third quarter of 2018 reports that there are only 45 days of supply left in the UK’s big warehouses. […]

]]>There is a lack of available warehouse space in the UK, and this has led some experts to believe that multistory warehouses could be the way forward.

The Colliers International Industrial & Logistics Barometer for the third quarter of 2018 reports that there are only 45 days of supply left in the UK’s big warehouses. The growth of online sales has raised the demand for warehouse space, but there is currently not enough space available to store goods.

Most large warehouses are single-storey buildings, so many experts have pointed out an obvious solution – construct multistorey warehouses.

Los Angeles real estate company CBRE has said that in the US, there is a trend to build more multistorey warehouses. In the Asian cities of Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo and Jakarta, where land is scarce and expensive, many high warehouses are being built with goods stored on several floors.

Kate Lipton, writing on the website of Bis Henderson that sources warehouse space, says that the trend for multistorey warehouses has come to the UK. A warehouse is due to open in Silvertown, East London in 2019 that has 426,000 sq. ft of space on three levels. It is expected to be occupied by multiple tenants to provide very quick delivery of online goods to London residents.

The expansion of warehouse space in the UK is good news for heavy duty trolley manufactures, as it is likely to mean increased calls for manual handling equipment to move goods around the new multistorey warehouses.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/15/are-multistorey-warehouses-the-storage-space-solution/feed/01130Do manual handling workers need exoskeletons?https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/09/do-manual-handling-workers-need-exoskeletons/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/09/do-manual-handling-workers-need-exoskeletons/#respondTue, 09 Oct 2018 07:13:02 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1121Workers who manually handle heavy items can wear industrial exoskeletons to help make lifting and carrying easier. An exoskeleton is a wearable device that increases strength and endurance. They are either active with motors and hydraulics, or passive relying on human movement to power springs and dampers. Manufacturers of these devices claim that they reduce […]

]]>Workers who manually handle heavy items can wear industrial exoskeletons to help make lifting and carrying easier. An exoskeleton is a wearable device that increases strength and endurance. They are either active with motors and hydraulics, or passive relying on human movement to power springs and dampers.

Manufacturers of these devices claim that they reduce strain injuries, increase productivity and workers gain stamina. These benefits seem clear, but researchers have found that the devices have drawbacks. Studies found that exoskeletons do reduce muscle activity and reduce muscle fatigue when lifting, but they reduce the range of motion and are uncomfortable to wear. Devices are heavy and create contact pressure. They increase muscle activity on some parts of the body, particularly the legs, suggesting that perhaps the disadvantages of exoskeletons outweigh their advantages.

Workers who perform other tasks along with manual handling goods find it inconvenient to regularly put on and take off cumbersome exoskeleton devices. Another disadvantage of exoskeletons compared to manual handling equipment is that they are expensive, costing more than £3m000.

There has been research to producing lighter devices, but so far, only prototype models have been produced. Exoskeletons have the promise of revolutionising how workers manually handle heavy loads, but currently, their potential has not been realised.

Until exoskeleton designs become a lot more efficient, companies will continue to rely on warehouse equipment manufacturers to produce manual handling equipment such as trolleys that enable workers to safely, and to easily move heavy items around the workplace.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/09/do-manual-handling-workers-need-exoskeletons/feed/01121New technology developed in tubular steel manufacturehttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/03/new-technology-developed-in-tubular-steel-manufacture/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/03/new-technology-developed-in-tubular-steel-manufacture/#respondWed, 03 Oct 2018 07:13:31 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1102New plastic and steel hybrid technology called hollow-profile hybrid (HPH) has been developed that claims to be higher-performing than traditional tubular steel. There is existing steel/plastic hybrid technology that is a combination of sheet-metal overmoulded with thermoplastic composite. This is used for metal sheets, but the HPH technology extends the plastic hybrid process to tubular […]

]]>New plastic and steel hybrid technology called hollow-profile hybrid (HPH) has been developed that claims to be higher-performing than traditional tubular steel.

There is existing steel/plastic hybrid technology that is a combination of sheet-metal overmoulded with thermoplastic composite. This is used for metal sheets, but the HPH technology extends the plastic hybrid process to tubular steel.

The challenge of these hybrid technologies is to create a high-strength bond between the metal and the overmoulded plastic. HPH achieves this by using ribs on the outside of the tubular steel that helps the overmoulded plastic stick to the tube.

The advantage of hybrid tubular steel is that it has better anti-corrosion properties and is lighter. At the end of its life, the metal and plastic can be separated for recycling.

The tooling costs of machines that amortise metal and plastic are expensive, which is why the hybrid tubular steel is only cost-effective for medium-to-high production. For one-off and low-volume production, traditional tubular steel is a better option. Car manufacturers are likely to adopt this hybrid technology.

Low-volume producers such as many warehouse equipment manufacturers will continue to use tubular steel for manual handling and storage equipment because it is lightweight, cost-effective and strong. Equipment made from tubular steel is reliable too, and lasts a long time even with heavy use.

The HPH technology was developed by Lanxess in Pittsburgh, USA. The firm is currently looking at how to produce steel that is reinforced with carbon fibre.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/10/03/new-technology-developed-in-tubular-steel-manufacture/feed/01102Why tubular steel is ideal for manual handling and storage equipmenthttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/09/30/why-tubular-steel-is-ideal-for-manual-handling-and-storage-equipment/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/09/30/why-tubular-steel-is-ideal-for-manual-handling-and-storage-equipment/#respondSun, 30 Sep 2018 11:55:10 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1077Tubular steel is a versatile product that is ideal for making custom-designed manual handling and storage equipment. Cutting to size British tubular steel storage and manual handling manufacturers generally do not have long production lines making thousands of items a day. They use skilled metalworkers who weld tubular steel together to create equipment. They have […]

]]>Tubular steel is a versatile product that is ideal for making custom-designed manual handling and storage equipment.

Cutting to size

British tubular steel storage and manual handling manufacturers generally do not have long production lines making thousands of items a day. They use skilled metalworkers who weld tubular steel together to create equipment. They have machines to cut and bend the lengths of tubular steel and other equipment that speeds up the fabrication process, but each item of equipment is manufactured individually. This makes it easier to modify designs to the end user’s specifications.

Tables often need to be a custom size to fit a space. A British manufacturer that fabricates its own tables will have standard sizes, but when constructing tables, it takes little extra time to cut the tubular steel to a custom size. Making custom size tables does not add much to the cost.

If a workplace has narrow doorways, a standard size flat trolley may not fit through it. A trolley can easily to made narrower so that it easily fits through narrow openings.

Fast, flexible and reusable

Equipment made from tubular steel is fast to construct and is flexible in that designs can be modified without expensive and time-consuming retooling.

Tubular steel can be used to make pick and pack trolleys, dispatch tables, sack trolleys, warehouse shelving, racks and more. When equipment reaches the end of its useful life, the steel can be recycled and becomes available to be used to make new equipment.

Designing new equipment

British equipment manufacturers employ skilled designers who can create new types of moving and storing equipment using tubular steel. Tables, trolleys, shelving and racks are all based on designs that have a long history. A new design does not have to be fundamentally different.

For example, the basic design of the sack trolley with a small ledge to place sacks on and two wheels was invented in the 18th Century for dockers to move sacks. Later, sack trolleys were designed that modified the design rather than fundamentally replaced the basic concept. Lightweight tubular steel was used to make sack trolleys that were lighter than previous designs, while still being strong.

Sack trolleys were invented to climb stairs. Trolleys with curved backs make it easier to transport barrels.

Not all goods are a uniform shape or packed in rectangular boxes. Items such as sofas and pianos are heavy and have awkward shapes. Some products like windows are fragile. Designers create storage and handling solutions that make it easy and safe to move these awkward or fragile items.

The art of making new equipment is to modify or add features to existing designs, to adapt the equipment to particular needs. The flexibility of tubular steel helps designers create new versions of trolleys and other manual handling equipment.

Future engineers and scientists will no doubt develop the concept further, but the tubular steel we know and use today is ideal for fabrication manual handling and storage equipment.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/09/30/why-tubular-steel-is-ideal-for-manual-handling-and-storage-equipment/feed/01077Are there alternatives to welding?https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/09/28/are-there-alternatives-to-welding/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/09/28/are-there-alternatives-to-welding/#respondFri, 28 Sep 2018 11:44:33 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1075To join tubular steel to make strong manual handling and storage equipment, skilled metalworkers weld tubular steel lengths to form strong joints, but is this the only option? Rivets Tubular steel can be joined using rivets. While riveting works, welding has many advantages. The rivets add to the weight of the equipment, which is worth […]

]]>To join tubular steel to make strong manual handling and storage equipment, skilled metalworkers weld tubular steel lengths to form strong joints, but is this the only option?

Rivets

Tubular steel can be joined using rivets. While riveting works, welding has many advantages. The rivets add to the weight of the equipment, which is worth remembering given that equipment used to manually move items needs to be strong but light.

Skilled metalworkers create stronger joints than rivets. Welded joints are smoother than rivets. This is important when manufacturing furniture that must look good, as well as being practical.

Welding can be used to weld any part of a structure, whereas riveting requires suitable clearance. Welding is also quicker than riveting and this reduces construction costs. Tubular steel pipes are easier to weld than rivet, plus riveted joints can weaken the structure of the equipment.

Perhaps the only advantage of using rivets is that it takes less skill to get right, but this only means that tubular steel manufacturers need to employ well-trained expert metalworkers.

Fasteners

The fastener process uses lockbolts or other hardware to join tubular steel. A short cylindrical collar and a long-headed pin clamp tubular steel together to form permanent joints that are strong and reliable. Using fasteners is quick and does not take a high level of skill to use. While suitable for many applications, fasteners are not as strong as welding, so it is not the best solution for moving and storage equipment that is used with heavy items.

Glue

There are several adhesives available that can glue metal to metal. Some European motoring manufacturers have used metal adhesives but there is no long-term research on how effective and long-lasting glued joints are.

Glue could be used to join tubular steel to fabricate handling equipment, but there is one major drawback – if a glued joint breaks, it is difficult to repair. A welded joint that fails can be easily welded back together again.

Soldering

Soldering can join two metals together, but it does not form strong joints. Soldering is used in electronics and circuit boards where it can attach electronic components to boards. Solder conducts electricity so is ideal for electronics, but not suitable for manual handling equipment.

Spot welding

Sheet metal can be joined using spot welding where the metal is held between copper electrodes. A large electric current melts the metal to weld the two pieces together. This technique is fine for thin metal, but is not suitable for thicker metal or tubular steel.

The future

Heavy duty material handling and storage equipment need to be strong, durable and lightweight. This is why tubular steel is the ideal material to fabricate equipment with. Most British manufacturers weld the steel together to form strong joints that withstand tension from all directions.

In the future, stronger, quicker and less expensive techniques may be developed to replace welding, but this is unlikely to happen in the near future. Manufactures still rely on welding, but some researchers are looking at developing better ways to weld that make the process quicker without sacrificing joint strength.

]]>https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/09/28/are-there-alternatives-to-welding/feed/01075Robots will create more jobs than they replace, says reporthttps://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/09/26/robots-will-create-more-jobs-than-they-replace-says-report/
https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/2018/09/26/robots-will-create-more-jobs-than-they-replace-says-report/#respondWed, 26 Sep 2018 07:32:19 +0000https://www.steelyproducts.co.uk/?p=1089There is an often-cited belief that robots will replace human workers and lead to mass unemployment, but a report by the World Economic Forum contradicts this theory by stating that robots will replace 75 million workers, but will create an additional 133 million jobs. These figures were compiled from data provided by business leaders across […]

]]>There is an often-cited belief that robots will replace human workers and lead to mass unemployment, but a report by the World Economic Forum contradicts this theory by stating that robots will replace 75 million workers, but will create an additional 133 million jobs.

These figures were compiled from data provided by business leaders across 12 industries in 20 emerging economies. Collectively, these companies represent 70% of the global GDP.

John Kirven of tech giant Canon commented on the findings:

“Don’t get me wrong, technology will change the way jobs are performed, but this doesn’t need to mean redundancies, just like previous revolutions did not. Instead, it will make factories more productive, with workers using their time to perform the tasks to which they are more suited to than machines.”

For repetitive tasks, robots could replace workers who can then learn new skills to perform more satisfying jobs. For example, at Macphie Ltd, a robot stacks bakery goods in a freezer. This job was previously carried out with workers and manual handling equipment in sub-zero temperatures. For safety reasons, employees were only allowed to work for 10 minutes at a time before leaving the freezer. Robots can work all day and no employee has to regularly work in these difficult conditions.

Many warehouses, storage, and pick and pack operations still rely on workers with heavy duty trolleys. Technology to help workers locate items quicker is useful, but in many storage areas it remains not cost-effective to replace humans with robots.